"Close Business Partners?"
Prince Daniel Aethelmont muttered to himself in complete disbelief.
His lips moved as he repeated the words, but the meaning behind them still refused to settle in his mind.
He had only wanted to appear brave.
He wanted the People of Power and the young people of the Kingdom gathered for the Royal Academy First Semester Ending Party to see how strongly he felt about Lady Vera Ashenlocke.
He had wanted to show them that he was willing to fight anyone who tried to get close to her in his presence.
But now?
What was even happening?
Daniel stood there, struggling to make sense of the situation.
That was also the question running through the minds of many adults and powerful figures in the Grand Royal Hall.
Some watched with interest, while others exchanged glances, trying to understand how a Prince's attempt to declare his affection had turned into a conversation in which he barely seemed to exist.
"Or you don't like it?"
